House Speaker Boehner Endorses Romney

4/17/2012 2:24 PM ET

After months of dodging press inquiries on his preferences in the race for the Republican presidential nomination, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, endorsed Mitt Romney on Tuesday, pledging to support the former Massachusetts Governor's efforts to defeat President Obama this November.

"I think Mitt Romney has a set of economic policies that can put Americans back to work and contrast sharply with the failed economic policies of President Obama," Boehner told the press after a House conference meeting. "I will be proud to support Mitt Romney and do everything I can to help him win."

Boehner kept neutral during the earlier GOP primary contests, but Rick Santorum's exit from the race last week cleared the way for his endorsement.

"I've not taken a position on this presidential campaign because, as chairman of the convention, I wanted to make sure all candidates had a fair process and a fair opportunity. It's clear now that Mitt Romney is going to be our nominee," Boehner told the press.

Boehner and fellow House Republicans who have endorsed Romney are now expected to work with the presumptive nominee's staff to ensure goals and messages are clearly coordinated. Some GOP leaders from the Hill have already begun to consult with the Romney campaign.

Politico also reported Monday that chief Romney policy aid Lanhee Chen has discussed a coordinated agenda with top House and Senate Republican aides in an effort to ensure the campaign and the Hill can avoid any major gaps in messaging.